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The Ironsides.

the Ironsides, built in 1838, was the first large vessel constructed of iron. Mr. Basil Lubbock, in his book "Colonial Clippers," writes: "It was the introduction of iron as the chief material for the building of ships that contributed more than anything else to the supremacy of the British mercantile marine. Iron killed the competition of our American cousins, who, as long as wood was the chief factor were able to give us a hard fight as to which should lead the world in shipbuilding."

As early as May, 1819, however, a vessel, the Vulcan, built of iron, was launched at Faskine, near Glasgow. The plates for the construction were manufactured at Calderbank Ironworks. The vessel proved a success and was later employed in the coal trade on the Forth and Clyde canal. She was in commission for over fifty years. It is interesting in these days, when every school child has a smattering of science, to know that when the Vulcan was being built there were actually many people that fully believed that when the builders tried to launch her there would be a catastrophe. "Just imagine," some of them said, "expecting iron to float."

The second Ironsides, a vessel of 899 tons, was built in 1862. She made several voyages to New Zealand, and had at least two stormy passages outwards. Leaving Gravesend on February 22, 1867, she met terrific gales, commencing five days after sailing, and continuing for three days. During this time the steering apparatus was broken, several of the principal sails split, and a considerable portion of the rail and bulwarks carried away. She encountered another severe buffeting on May 13, when the jib-boom was carried away and the upper foretopsail yard sprung.

On the run out in 1879 to Auckland the Ironsides again suffered from continued heavy gales met with on the passage. After rounding the Cape a severe squall carried away the bowsprit, the wreck falling on the port cathead. It was found necessary to fix a chain to the foremast in order to secure it. The main rigging lanyards were carried away twice, and the ship suffered other severe damage.

Among the passengers arriving at Auckland by the Ironsides in 1864 were Mr. and Mrs. S. Hemus and family. Two years after arrival, one of the sons, Mr. Harry Hemus, entered the Government service, and held responsible positions in the Telegraph Department, for many years being in charge of the Auckland branch. He retired in 1905. His brother, Mr. Charles Hemus, was for many years in business as one of Auckland's leading photographers. These two sons are now the only survivors of the family. Mr. Chas. Hemus, a very fine violinist, joined the Auckland Choral Society in the very early days, when Mr. Joseph Brown was conductor, and after the passing away of Colonel Balneavis was for about twenty years leader of the orchestra. He was also one of the organisers of the present Orchestral Society.

The records of the Ironsides were:—